Joan Ricard, who spent almost 40 years working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including two years as director of west suburban Hines, is retiring for personal reasons, a Hines spokeswoman said. Her decision had nothing to do with U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's call for Ms. Ricard's resignation, the spokeswoman added.

Critics say the waiting lists were used to hide delays in appointments. Ms. Ricard has denied there were secret wait lists.

"The 37 years I've spent in the VA, and particularly my past two years at Hines VAH, have been incredibly rewarding,” Ms. Ricard, 60, said in a statement. “I am honored to have worked with so many dedicated staff members, veteran advocates and community leaders here and all across the country. I will miss the camaraderie dearly. However, I am excited about spending more time with my family and exploring new interests.”

Her successor has yet to be named.

Hines treats more than 56,000 patients a year. It has a 147-acre campus and six community-based outpatient clinics.